Lucy's POV

1998

-Lucy: "Gray... I don't know if I can do this..." I slightly whisper seeing how Natsu suffered back there and how he suffers now for being whatever he was. I look down at the white floor and feel guilt punch me everywhere. "I feel like I'm betraying Natsu... and guilt and regret are the worst..." The tears that drop from my brown eyes feel warm, comforting me somehow.

-Gray: "Betraying him how?" He questions, not understanding how I could feel like this at the moment. I bite the inside of my cheek anxiously as I remind myself of what we're doing.

-Lucy: "I'm digging in his past, a wound that's not supposed to be reopened... Imagine him at this moment, not finding me and thinking of the worst. Possibly worrying for me, a sign of care I don't deserve." A moment of silence fills the area between Gray and I before he finally speaks.

-Gray: "You're in love with him." He states, causing my heart to stop for a single moment. My breathing became difficult before I shake my head.

-Lucy: "No..."

-Gray: "Lying to yourself makes it worse, Lucy..." He says, seeing right through me completely. He must've known this whole time. But if he did, why is he giving me so much love?

-Lucy: "So what?! It's not like it happened on purpose! It's not like it's anything bad. It's not like he's a monster..." I breathe out, finally seeing grass and rocks underneath me. I feel Gray's arm wrap around me as his lips land on my forehead.

-Gray: "See how accepting it unblocks your mind?" He says before letting me go, and pulling me forward. "Let's visit your parents. I'm sure you're gonna find this year fond..." He says, bringing me towards the Dragneel house. I walk with him, tightening my grip on his hand. Going through all of this really makes me appreciate how Gray's handling me. I want to stop, but I know I really can't. And he's keeping my feet moving forward along with unblocking my mind. We enter the house, and spot my mother and father along with Zeref.

-Jude: "Thank you so much Zeref, you don't know how I truly appreciate you controlling the situation so mature." He says as he's shaking Zeref's hand.

-Zeref: "Please, I simply said to not worry about it. I'm not Layla's parent to say no to her and her lover." He says, trying to avoid his own bitterness mentioning the last word. I spot father's hand laying on mother's, seeing them both with some rings on their left hands. I internally scream, finding this moment precious. "But remember the condition you have made. It's selfish, but the only way to keep me sane about this..." He says in a monotone way, receiving an eager nod from Jude but a not-so-pleased one from Layla.

-Lucy: "What condition?" I ask, eyeing Gray curiously. He looks down at the floor and stays quiet, most likely thinking of what to say.

-Gray: "You'll see on the year 1999..."

-Zeref: "Enjoy your free day Layla," He says before glancing at Jude. "Take her out on a nice date, I can take care of myself..." He says as mother nods and runs into a room quickly, leaving Jude and Zeref alone for just a second. The dark haired man leans in the blonde one and whispers in his ear, "Break her and I will make you suffer more than you could ever imagine by sending you to Tartarus. He says seriously, before receiving Layla once again. As she entera, he wipes away the uncomfortable and threatening atmosphere with a smile. "Congratulations on your engagement, Layla and Jude." He cringes slightly, but tries to cool it off.

-Layla: "Thank you so much Zeref, it means alot coming from you." She says before landing her forehead onto his and making her way towards the door with her fiancée. As they leave happily, I smile at the scene. Loving how understanding Zeref became. There's nothing tougher than letting go the person you love for their own happiness. But that condition, what could it be?

~

We arrive in my father's house, comparing it's wood with the Dragneel's and Fullbuster's cement. It was like a cabin, giving off that warmth of a family abode. It was a pleasant view, until my eyes set upon the bothered woman on the couch. Her hands were shaking as a drop of sweat fell off her smooth face. Only the sound of the clock was disrupting the uncomfortable moment.

Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock

Until the wooden door opens, revealing the woman's fiancée. He takes off his robe and leaves it onto the coat hanger, as well as leaving the Maleficus book onto a table in the entrance. It doesn't seem like he knew mother would be here, but the idea was confirmed when he spots her and sighs abruptly.

-Jude: "Layla! You startled me," He laughs off, making his way towards her. As he speaks, she doesn't look at him. Still looking down on a plastic stick she had in hand. "Layla? What's wrong?" He becomes worried as she doesn't respond, before her head turns to him, revealing a face of pure concern and worry.

-Layla: "We have to go..." She whispers to him, receiving a confused glance from him. He chuckles and nuzzles her nose in a loving matter.

-Jude: "I know I just came back from a mission, but wanting to leave so abruptly without plans is rather dangerous." She puts her hands on his face and looks into his eyes,

-Layla: "Bring me your Maleficus book." She says before he raises his hand and a purple portal brings him the thick book. He gives it to her, finally realizing that she's dead serious. She opens it and searches for a specific spell. Swiping and passing hundreds of pages before finally landing on the specific one. "Chant this while touching my hand," She says, showing him the spell. He looks at her confusedly and scrunches his eyebrows.

-Jude: "Do you believe you have a sickness? --"

-Layla: "Please just do it," She pleads him, making my stomach toss and turn. The scenario or memory make me nervous. He looks down at the spell, bringing up the signature Maleficus/Pythonissam fingers as his eyes become as white as his teeth. He begins moving them side to side, top to bottom before chanting:

-Jude: "Vae patres, audite me. Ictus corporis aperire mentem venis, ossibus et stomachum. Ostendens quod non erubescant, qui volunt oculos quaerunt. Quid tu vides?" He questions, soon receiving eyes wide and his breath shaken. His bottom lip begins to quiver at whatever he was witnessing. It was rather confusing to know if it was out of excitement or scarce. "Layla..." He whispers, blinking and getting back connected to our world. He stares at her blankly as tears come down her cheek.

-Layla: "We must go... run..." She says while tugging at his shirt.

-Jude: "We'll be found..." He whispers while averting his gaze, thinking. Layla's breathing shakes as if her heart was souring. Her face held a grand pain of sorrow, as if she had just lost everything.

-Layla: "I can't eliminate it," She whispers, landing on Jude's shoulder for support. He sighs as he stands and looks down at her.

-Jude: "Pack your things. Only what's necessary. Make sure Zeref doesn't realize. If he does, we're both goners."

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When your boyfriend starts reading your fanfictions *starts digging my own grave*

- (AnimeFanficPlus)
1263 words